Those of you that read this month's column in Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine read about my fear and trepidations when first asked to teach at an art retreat. I had serious doubts that I knew enough about art or was talented enough to teach anyone anything about making art. But most of all, I was afraid that I would not have what it takes to be the kind of teacher that lights a fire in her students and gets their creative juices going.  I learned so much about teaching art that weekend and the most important thing I learned was that students come to art retreats with all that inspiration inside them. A good teacher is just there to impart some skills, teach a few techniques, and provide a format in which the student can take the time and space to draw their art out. In short, I learned that we all have our red balloons and given a chance, our red balloons will appear as if by magic.   I have had the honor of being asked back to teach this fall at Art Is, along with a roster of talented and amazing teachers. I am sure the magic will be back! Please come and join us at one of the few northeast art retreats featuring nationally known teachers at a reasonable price in  a very pretty, comfortable hotel in the country in Connecticut. Loretta Marvel, Teacher 2007, Teacher 2008

Home and back to work.  Still feeling the wonderful community that is art and fest.  Top 10 is hard - there are so many memories all still stirring around.
 
1.  Art is...
2.  Sisterhood
3.  Laughter - and understanding the laughter - sheer joy.
4.  Beading until you wonder if even YOU have enough beads...but not to worry because everyone will share.
5.  Annie Hesse
6.  New friends and old friends or is it both?
7.  Feeling like family and all of us the same kind of "off"...
8.  The hotel staff that were wonderful and so interested and helpful.
9.  Wonderful conversations and sharing of secrets and laughing...til you cry.
10. Helping a cause as important as the breast form fund and knowing that through joy, joy will return.
 
guess I can't just do 10 either - (and these are only in "how it comes out order - not importance order)
 
11.  SALLIANNE AND ELLEN two driving forces that made the whole weekend possible and who brought life into ART.
 
Thank you for a wonderful time.  Kelly B. Alumni 2007

1.  Walking into the hotel at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday and feeling immediately inspired and empowered...even through the travel fog.
2.  Finally being able to speak to and embrace the beautiful spirit that is JoAnna!  I have felt like I've known her forever and I have her art beautifying my home.  It was worth the trip just for that!
3.  Sitting in a classroom with kindred spirits and being able to receive the gift of JoAnnA's teaching.  Being a part of that moment where she let go and shared and moved through the process of blessing us all.
4.  Laughter..............continuous laughter.
5.  Navel Jelly..........................oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Visa thanks you too.  :)
6.  Sharing, trading and teaching between all of us. 
7.  Seeing someone else with a "name tag" and sharing that smile of acceptance and sisterhood.
8.  Not believing I could paint a face and finally seeing the perfection in its imperfection.
9.  Being inspired by all of the "precious and darling" women in my class that have led me down a new path.....I'll let "ya'll" know when the blog is up and running.
10.  Planning visits and trips and retreats with women that I've just met but that I feel like I've always known.

okay....so I have 12 (the women who shared my class will understand this)

11.  Hugging you all and saying goodbye knowing that we will meet again and the journey back has already begun.
12.  Experiencing this wonderful event and each and everyone of the beautiful people behind it, involved in it, a part of it...................thank you all!!!!! Lesley Venable, Alumni 2007, Teacher 2008

Thank you Ellen and Sallianne for a most enjoyable weekend.Your never-ending enthusiasm was the high light of the event.
Cheryl Strait, Vendor 2007, Teacher 2008

 

Just wanted to shout: THANK-YOU ALL! for an absolutely fab time! I will definitely be at all of the next event with blowtorches loaded! My kewpie girls look awesome among my plants! I'm still high from all the creativity, laughter and most of all total acceptance!!  Chow! Lois P. Alumni 2007, 2008 Registrant.

 

 

I am still in awe of the terrific weekend I spent with all of you, making memorable new friends. The ideas and techniques presented and shared were greatly appreciated and I will use them again and again. Thank you to all of you, Sallianne, Ellen, and all your helpers. You did a fabulous job! Every time we entered a room there was something new to experience. Judy E. Alumni 2007, 2008 registrant.

 

Ellen and Sal,
Thank you for all you did for Art Is... This was the first time
that I have felt fully accepted and able to be my self, yes even
wearing the altered doll hat. I can't wait for next year, and yes you
will receive my registration and you will do the choosing. Laura, Alumni 2007, 2008 registrant

(and yes, she sent her 2008 registration in blank!)

 

Is it next year yet!!!!!! Angela H., Alumni 2007, 2008 registrant

 

Here I am with ALL you WONDERFUL GALS. My experience at was just thee most amazing time!!!! THANK YOU DEAR SOUL SISTERS for a wonderful retreat. All of your special touches truly nurtured my soul.

I feel I came back to California just filled to the brim. I am just
so thankful that I met so many wonderful YOU's. I think we will be
friends for life!!! I wish I lived on the EAST coast now :)

LOVED the vendors, the amazing art, the gallery...just all top notch.
Loved teaching and my classes were filled with the BEST girls ever!!!
I upload some pictures in the album.

I do have a slide show on my blog of the event if you would like to
see. http:www.mosshill.blogs.com and the music playing is how I
feel departing from you all. I was so blessed!!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
LOVE AND KISSES,
JoAnnA Pierotti, Teacher 2007, Teacher 2008

I think you and Ellen have done a fabulous job on the new name and site and I hope this is a strong and continuing venue in future years!!!  There is nothing in the Northeast like it and I'm sure it can draw many more people.  I think the direction you've taken to incorporate more than art doll classes is HUGE! Margaret A., future attendee